Helen Frances Golson Kelly

Helen Kelly passed away peacefully on Friday, September 27, 2013. The daughter of John David and Vera Charles Golson, she was born on October 9, 1922 in Bennettsville SC. She graduated from the local high school and attended Winthrop College in Rock Hill SC and Queens College in Charlotte NC.

She moved to Charleston during World War II where she worked as a secretary to the Personnel Director for the Navy in Charleston. It was in Charleston where she met her future husband, James Fredrick Kelly.

They were married in 1949, moved to Raleigh, settled in Cameron Village, started their family, and then moved into what was then the “outer edge of Raleigh” just off of Ridge Road, where she lived since 1960. They were married for 57 years before his death in 2006. She was a full time homemaker, active in various Christian circles and a member of Hayes Barton Methodist Church for over 50 years.

Helen was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her older sister. She is survived by her three sons and their families: Fred and Judy of Raleigh and their sons James and Matt; Dave and Holly of Atlanta and their sons Chris and Michael; and Mark and Victoria of Raleigh and their sons Paul, Peter, Jonathan, Stephen, and Kevin.

The family is grateful for Cora Smith who attended to both their parents over the last 8 years.

Her memorial service will be held at 2:00 on Tuesday, October 1 at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NC 27608. The family will receive visitors after the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the church or to Hospice of Wake County.